hygog

This is a fantastic film-more than just a murder mystery. Initially, I expected an average storyline, but it turned out to be full of twists and surprises. The entire cast delivers outstanding performances.

The film creates an intense, suffocating atmosphere, yet by the end, you don't leave feeling completely depressed. For most of the movie, it seems like just another serial killer story, similar to many Korean thrillers. However, the ending reflects real issues happening in China at least twice a year-bullying that tragically escalates in schools. It leaves you with a lot to think about.

If the filmmakers had toned down the violence, it would have been even better. Taiwanese films are becoming as graphic as Korean ones these days, and I hope they find a better balance. At times, the mood and excessive bloodshed can be stomach-churning.

As a horror movie, it falls far short of the scares delivered by The Conjuring or even the cheapest horror films. If you're looking for an artistic horror experience, Sleeping with the Vampire is three or four times better.

It has been years since a movie made me want to leave halfway through, but this one did. Maybe my expectations were too high, given its rating above 7, but I found it boring all the way to the end.

That said, the acting is solid-I'll give it that. However, there was one scene where I almost laughed out loud because Nosferatu sounded like Batman.

For those unfamiliar with the story of Nosferatu, this film might be enjoyable. But if you've seen any good Dracula adaptations, you can skip this one.

Finally, a refreshing break from computer-generated animation-this film delivers some beautiful hand-drawn visuals, a rarity these days. It's a welcome change from the undetailed illustrations of shows like The Witcher or Castlevania: Nocturne. If they could match this level of artistry, those series might reach the heights of top-tier Japanese anime. The animation here is undoubtedly the standout feature.

However, the film falls short in other areas. The action and plot are mediocre, resembling a Viking tale more than a high-fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings. Fantasy elements are sparse-there's hardly any magic or mythical creatures-which feels like a missed opportunity. At overlong runtime, it shares the same pacing issues as The Lord of the Rings, which might not appeal to everyone.

While I wasn't a fan of the first installment, I'd give a second film a chance-if it includes more action, monsters, and spell-casting. This series has potential, but it needs to lean harder into the fantastical.